Frequently Asked Questions
Journey With Gentle Giants - Swim
Overview
- What is the duration of the program and what is included in the experience?
The experience is approximately 2.5 hours, so please plan accordingly. The experience consists of a dive team member picking you up from the desk, a brief tour of the top side of the Ocean Voyager exhibit, a safety briefing that highlights the animals of Ocean Voyager and a 30-minute guided swim. A souvenir photo and a program t-shirt are included, and guests will have the option to view and purchase the video of their experience.
- How big is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, and what will I see?
The exhibit contains 6.3 million gallons of water and ranges from 20 to 30 feet deep (6-9 m) with water temperature controlled at 76°F (24°C). This exhibit houses thousands of fish including whale sharks, zebra sharks, and several species of rays, just to name a few!
Requirements & Accommodations
- What are the age requirements?
All participants must be at least 12 years of age. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult in the water.
- EACH child 12-14 years old must be accompanied by a participating adult. There is a 1:1 child to adult ratio for children 12-14 years old.
- If one or more of the children are 15 years old or older, there can be one participating adult. There is a 1:7 child to adult ratio for children 15-17 years old.
Guests under the age of 18 must have the program liability waiver signed and dated by their parent or court appointed legal guardian.
- What are the physical limitation of the Swim Program?
Participants must be able to dress themselves, swim themselves and climb a 3 ft vertical ladder in and out of the habitat. Swimmers who need help dressing themselves must provide their own assistance. Our swim vests can accommodate guests with a waist measuring 59.5 inches (151cm) or less AND weigh no more than 400lbs (181kg). Guests are not allowed to bring outside gear that allows them to exceed this size. Dive Immersion reserves the right to cancel any reservation due to concerns for the health or physical safety of participants. Please email dive@georgiaaquarium.org if there are concerns with these limitations before booking.
- Am I able to participate in the swim with impairments or disabilities?
Generally, yes! However, any impairments or disabilities MUST be discussed with the Dive Team BEFORE booking. Every person is different, and Dive Immersion strives to make reasonable accommodations to ensure a positive and safe experience for all participants.
Please contact dive@georgiaaquarium.org so we can discuss available arrangements. Failure to do so could result in delay or cancellation of your program.
- Do you offer private changing rooms?
The Aquarium offers two changing rooms, male and female, with open changing area and private shower stalls. We are aware of the limitations this infrastructure presents and recognize that not all guests conform to a binary system of gender. Our aquarium team is committed to making accommodations for any guest who requests additional privacy when changing and will make every effort do so with advance notice. At Georgia Aquarium, both employees and guests are welcome to use the restroom matching their gender identity.
Before & During the Swim
- When should I arrive for my program?
Participants must check-in at the Animal Interaction Desk in front of the Ocean Voyager gallery AT LEAST 30 minutes prior to their event time. We highly recommend you arrive at the Aquarium at least 1 hour prior to allow time for parking, security and check-in.
- What equipment is included in the swim program?
All necessary equipment is included in the price of the Swim Program, including a flotation device, mask, snorkel, gloves, booties and wetsuit. Personal masks and snorkels are permitted but must be disinfected by staff prior to swim.
- What should I bring with me?
You will need to bring your swimsuit. All equipment, comfortable changing rooms with showers, lockers and towels are supplied. Personal masks/snorkels are permitted but must be disinfected by staff prior to swimming. Please refrain from wearing jewelry, excessive makeup or hair products.
- Can we take our own photos or video?
Cameras are permitted on deck, however no cameras are permitted in the water. A professionally shot and edited video of your experience will be available for purchase. Friends and family may take photos from the tunnel or gallery windows.
- Will there be a guide in the water with me?
Three dive masters will be in the water with you at all times. Dive team members are certified in CPR, first aid and in providing emergency oxygen. This is a guided tour.
- Can we touch the animals?
The swim is for observation only – swimmers are not permitted to touch the animals.
- Are guests welcome to watch? Do they have to buy a ticket?
Yes, friends and family can watch from the Ocean Voyager tunnel and main window, but they must purchase a General Admission ticket.
If staffing allows, guests will be escorted by a volunteer OR directed to where to go for the best opportunity to see the participants. Staff and volunteers cannot offer care for any minors – they must be accompanied by an adult.
Reservations
- What times are available for the Swim Program?
The program is offered daily at 4:30 p.m.
- How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made online here or by calling (404) 581-4000. You will receive a confirmation email after purchase with an additional information packet and waivers required to participate in the program. Please be sure to review this information before arriving.
All participants must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated prior to participating. Guests under the age of 18 must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated by their parent or court–appointed legal guardian.
- Do I have to pre-register or can I sign up when I arrive?
Guests are encouraged to pre-register. Spaces are limited to 8 participants per program and walk-ups can only be accommodated if there is space available.
- Can I buy out a time slot for a more private experience?
Yes. There are eight slots per program and each slot must be purchased to ensure a private experience. Please contact our call center (404) 581-4000 for assistance with your booking.
- What else can I add-on to my experience?
Participants can purchase professionally shot and edited HD video of their experience, and additional t-shirts, hats and reusable bags can also be purchased on-site.
Guests also have the option to upgrade their experience by enrolling in our brand new “Aquatic Advocates” Program.
Payment & Rescheduling Policies
- What is your rescheduling / date change policy?
Refunds are not offered, but a date may be changed free of charge if the change is made at least 14 days in advance of the original date of your visit. If the change is made less than 14 days prior to the original date, a $50 change fee per ticket will be charged. Cancellations within 48 hours and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. To change your reservation, please contact Georgia Aquarium’s Call Center at (404) 581-4000.
- What is your cancellation/no-show policy?
Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. Guests arriving after the required program check-in time will not be permitted to participate in the program and will not be refunded or rescheduled. Please plan accordingly with enough time to park, enter and check-in to the program. To change your reservation, please contact Georgia Aquarium’s Call Center at 404-581-4000. Due to the nature of caring for animals, Georgia Aquarium reserves the right to modify, cancel, and/or reschedule programs without notice. Reasonable accommodations will be made to reschedule guests as effectively as possible.